Arson suspected in Friday's early morning Newton apartment fire

An early morning fire at a Newton apartment may have been intentionally set.

According to a news release from the Newton Fire Department, smoke and fire alarms prompted several calls reporting a fire around 3:43 a.m. on Friday. The call came from the Meadowbrook Apartments at 1022 East 12th Street North in Newton.

Firefighters found flames at the apartment building's entrance and put it out with a fire extinguisher. Six people were rescued from second- and third-floor apartments using ladders.

No one was injured, and residents were able to return to their apartments once the smoke cleared.

The fire did not spread beyond the entrance, but still caused an estimated $10,000 worth of damage to the building, according to the release.

The possible arson is still being investigated. Anyone with information is asked to call the Newton fire or police department.